You are obviously missing the bidder's point. Sure they are paying $15 for a $13.99 retail stick, but they are going to make up the difference by buying in volume!
I have some Tamborils, Espinosas, Santanas and other crap I would like to sell them for a real deal - say ~$5.00 per stick minimum purchase of 20. I would even mix and match for them. Shipping would cost $1 per stick, insurance $10, delivery confirmation $10, packaging $20, curing time in my humidors $25, communications costs $50. All in all, I think my deal blows the CAO deal they are getting to hell and back.